15 phablet-friendly cases and covers to protect your Galaxy Note 4

The Samsung Galaxy Note kicked off the so-called phablet trend in 2011 with an air of uncertainty. Three years down the line — and coincidentally, just following the high-profile release of smartphones like the iPhone 6 Plus — it appears phablets are here to stay. Fortunately, the Galaxy Note 4 refines everything we loved about the Note 3 and then some. It showcases cutting-edge processing power and a beautiful 5.7-inch display, not to mention a phenomenal rear camera. An elegant design and smudge-proof coating aren’t enough to protect it from the scratches, dents, and cracks it susceptible to on the daily, though. Therefore we’ve rounded up some of our favorite cases currently available for the Galaxy Note 4, whether talking Otterbox or UAG.

Caseology continually prides itself in what it refers to as a “boardroom-ready” design, even if you never intend to step foot in the office with your Galaxy Note 4. The company’s Bumper Frame case is a perfect example of said aesthetic choice, one that revels in sleek, multi-component construction and textured backing designed to prevent unwanted slippage. The case’s thermoplastic polyurethane build helps keep oil and dirt to a minimum, while the raised lip and TPU bumpers protect your display and aid with shock absorption. Best of all, it’s available sporting a range of colors and materials, from leather to lightweight carbon fiber.

The rugged build of Urban Armor Gear’s Navigator is far lighter than you might expect — even if it does meet military-grade protection. The offering is available in an assortment of attractive colors, from white and orange to navy blue, and features a honeycomb design intended to prevent the Note 4 from slipping out of your hands. The case’s exterior shell and impact-resistant core also curb damage associated with the occasional drop, while the oversized buttons provide a responsive, tactile feel beneath your fingertips. Moreover, it comes bundled with a capable screen protector and quick access to ports, not to mention scratch-resistant skid pads that provide protection whee you need it most.

California-based Verus makes a melange of terrific offerings specifically for the Note 4, but the Wallet Case is the only one that supplies an air of retro flair. It’s comprised of two-tone leather and a secure magnetic lock, the latter of which provides quick access to any ID or credit cards you might want to store in the accompanying card pocket. The chamude texture inside also helps prevent scratches, while a convenient speaker hole on the front cover ensures you can hear phone calls without ever having to open the cover. The premium leather makes for a vintage feel, too, whether you opt for the brown, black, or wine red option.

Understandably, Moshi inches closer and closer to becoming a household name with every release. The aptly-titled SenseCover will likely bring the company even closer, especially considering it provides 360-degree protection without tacking on excess bulk. The shock-absorbing inner shell and leatherette front cover provide equal parts protection and style, and moreover, feature a magnetic clasp and built-in kickstand for viewing videos. The touch-sensitive front cover also supports the Note 4’s wake-sleep functionality and allow you to answer phone calls, control music playback, and access notifications without opening the case. It’s all done using the clever SenseArray pads and the accompanying mobile app.

ULAK’s Brushed-aluminum Case doesn’t offer much in the way of protection, but it can be found for as little as $10 online and comes in a melange of colors. The offering also exhibits precise cutouts designed to retain the functionality of your phone when in use, along with a thin design that allows you to effortlessly slip your Note 4 into your pocket without a ton of unnecessary bulk. It only protects the back of your device, though, and remains a bit more prone to dents than most cases on the market. Still, it doens’t get much slicker than the faux aluminum.